The maximum net depth of water per irrigation is defined by how much water a soil can hold without losing it to leaching. If the soil is
full of water, the crop can use this much water before it is stressed. The move interval assumes a maximum set time on only 12 hour intervals because it is less work. A good estimate for a set-move sprinkler ranges from 50 - 75%. The suggested nozzle diameter assumes that the nozzles are in good condition, and are all the same (replacement nozzles are typically less than $1 per nozzle).

Suggested Pipe Size

This is based on a maximum water velocity of 5 feet/second in the pipe. You can get away with smaller pipe sizes
(i.e. faster velocities) if you are very careful to avoid water hammer by shutting valves slowly, putting in pressure relief valves, and trying to avoid the water hitting the end of a closed pipe at high speeds.
Use negative for downhill from water source, positive for uphill from the water source.

Maximum Number of Heads Per Line:

sprinkler heads

Pipe Size:

in

Pipeline Pressure Differences

This calculator uses the suggested pipe size and assumes the use of aluminum pipe with couplers. If 1" pipe is used then losses will be much higher.
The elevation difference value can be a negative or positive value, but cannot be set as zero. If the area is downhill from the water source, use a negative elevation difference, otherwise use a positive value if uphill from the water source.